When you think about hospitals, most of us think about a functional place, full of busy people. You think about the movement of beds and carts and trolleys around wide halls and double doors. Signs attempting to direct us and help navigate a maze of corridors and wards. You also think of physical health in relation to hospitals and don’t necessarily make the connection to mental health.

Traditionally, hospitals were large, imposing structures with their design focused on functionality. Hospital architecture has evolved as theyhave come to realise the vital role that the environment plays in the recovery and well-being of patients. In recent times, the design of hospital environments has sought to eliminate the coldness and impersonal feelings associated with these places. Today, priority is also given to generating well-being for users, with a focus on generating welcoming and friendly spaces that are safe and secure.

Hospital design innovations reflect the evolution of medicine and healthcare. Hospital architecture is constantly evolving, incorporating cutting-edge technology, and taking into account the psychological and emotional considerations of patients. The use of natural light is a key trend in modern hospital designs. Bright and well-ventilated spaces help create wellness and peace of mind.

Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “We have been playing our part in this story for over the last 30 years. We understand that light is essential to our wellbeing and health. It regulates our sleep-wake cycle, and it can also help with our daily routines. Light helps to keep us energised and increases our concentration levels. A bright well-lit environment makes us feel safer and aids in geographic orientation.”

At hospitals throughout the country, Twinfix have been helping provide natural light inside the hospitals and care homes, making the outside spaces more accessible. With its team of experts in the polycarbonate and roof glazing fields, Twinfix works on developing the best, newest and most cost-effective roof glazing products. These are specialist products can be used to rejuvenate hospital corridors and wards or to add protection from the elements to outside spaces.

By providing cutting edge products with the look and feel of more historic glass yet delivering all the benefits of the latest in material technology, Twinfix have been able to help let the light in and open up these cathedrals of medicine.

Twinfix, the pioneers of polycarbonate can replicate the historic look of traditional glass using their polycarbonate range of products. Polycarbonate can be manufactured to replicate the most complex glass systems including Georgian Wire. Polycarbonate offers significant weight savings over glass meaning the support systems and roof can be designed to look original while complying with building regulations rather than beefed up. The polycarbonate system will last longer than glass, be resistant to UV damage and, depending upon the design requirements and be almost unbreakable.

Next time you’re at a hospital or visiting a care home and you find yourself bathed in natural light while waiting for an appointment or wandering the halls, or you feel the need to get some air and take shelter from the rain, as you take a deep breath and find some of the tension leaving you. Take a look up as you might be standing under some of their work.

The list of medical facilities and care homes Twinfix have worked with is increasing all the time. From Furness General to Newton Hospital, New Cross Eye Centre to Royal Preston Hospital, Salford Royal, Southmead Hospital, Nottingham Hospital, Princess Alexandra, Liverpool Heart and Chest testing facility and the Royal Albert & Edward Infirmary Twinfix has a solution to help you feel better.